Luke Walton On Benching Lonzo Ball: We Rode The Hot Hands

The Los Angeles Lakers left Phoenix last night with a 100-93 victory over the Suns, snapping a three-game skid. In that contest, Lonzo Ball played 28 minutes, and not a single one came in the fourth quarter. Afterward, Luke Walton told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk that he sat Ball so Jordan Clarkson and Corey Brewer — who were both on fire — could sustain their momentum and carry the offense.

“It’s tough and it’s a feel thing,” said Walton. “Brewer and Clarkson were both incredible tonight; they had been out there, they were working hard and obviously Zo’s ability to play the game and run that point spot for us — there were a couple of times I was one play away from putting him back in, and one of those guys would make a play.”

Ball finished the game with seven points on 3-of-10 shooting. Clarkson and Brewer had 25 and 13, respectively, including 13 combined points in the fourth quarter. Lonzo, who was one game removed from becoming the youngest player ever to record a triple-double, wasn’t phased by his coach’s decision. “We got a win, so I got no complaints,” stated Ball. “My teammates got it done in the fourth and we had to at least get one on this road trip.”

The Lakers, who are now 6-8, fell to the Celtics, Wizards and Bucks before coming away with the win on Monday.